Millions of children across Britain will be hoping for a visit from Santa this Christmas.

But it appears that not quite everyone is as excited to see him – as the National Trust appear to have phased out the use of the name.

The trust has insisted to its stately homes that they should refer to Santa Claus as ‘Father Christmas’ because the name is more British.

Despite millions of children across Britain knowing him as 'Santa Claus', the National Trust appear to have phased out the popular alias in favour of the more middle class 'Father Christmas'

The name ‘Santa Claus’ has become increasingly popular in recent years but experts have sided with the trust describing the term as an Americanism.

It is thought that around 120 of the trusts properties will be hosting ‘meet Father Christmas’ events next month.

While the trust said that it was not ‘banning’ Santa, it did instruct all of its shops and literature to refer to him as Father Christmas, although one of its websites was reportedly still referring to ‘Santa’s grotto’ last night.

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A National Trust spokesman told The Daily Telegraph: ‘Contrary to any speculation, the National Trust is not looking to ban Santa, Saint Nick or Santa Claus.

‘We recognise the gift-giving, jolly man with the beard goes by many names all over the world, but we try to stick to one, and for many years that has been Father Christmas.’

The source explained that Father Christmas was ‘perceived as the more traditional British name, certainly in England and Wales’.

In response to the ‘Santa’s grotto’ listed online, the source said: ‘In this case ‘Santa’s grotto’ is seen as more common usage than “Father Christmas’s grotto”.’

The trust has insisted to its stately homes that they should refer to Santa Claus as ‘Father Christmas’ because the name is more British. The name ‘Santa Claus’ has become popular in recent years but experts have sided with the trust describing the term as an Americanism

William Hanson, a leading etiquette expert, said that using the term ‘Father Christmas’ was the preserve of the middle classes and it was ‘lower class to call him Santa’.

‘Those from a middle to upper middle and beyond background will usually all invariably be visited by Father Christmas.’

Earlier this year the trust also drew controversy over the naming of one of its main events - after the word ‘Easter’ vanished from its traditional egg hunt.

The move was criticised by the Prime Minister, the Archbishop of York and Jeremy Corbyn.

Mrs May, who is a member of the trust, took time out of a visit to Saudi Arabia to intervene, saying: ‘I don’t know what they are thinking about, frankly.’